Everblades' John Muse ready to carry the load in goal down the stretch

Florida Everblades goalie John Muse makes a save during a 4-1 loss against the Chicago Express in an ECHL preseason game on Oct. 7, 2011 at Germain Arena in Estero. Kevin Johnson/Staff

ESTERO — As a four-year starter at Boston College, John Muse got used to a consistent schedule. For nearly every game, it was Muse in front of the net for the Eagles, including during the team's run to two national championships.

So after bouncing back and forth between the Everblades and their American Hockey League affiliate Charlotte nine different times this season, it's safe to say Muse is looking for a chance to be back in a consistent groove.

"Now that I'm back here and I know this is where I'm going to be for a little while, it makes things easier," Muse said. "I'm a guy that likes to play, and I know that with both guys back in Charlotte that this is the best place for me to get a chance to play right now."

When Muse has gotten consistent ice time this season, it's hard to argue with the results. While playing as the No. 1 goalie with Charlotte during February, Muse was among the best goalies in the entire AHL. For the season with Charlotte, Muse has appeared in 15 games, going 10-3-2 with a goals-against average of 1.81 and a save percentage of .941.

When he learned of his demotion back to the Everblades two weeks ago, Muse said he couldn't help but be disappointed, especially with the way he was playing for the Checkers.

"Obviously everyone wants to be up in the AHL," Muse said. "It was tough, but I'm excited to be back and I'm in a good spot here."

With Muse joining the club and goalie Pat Nagle already playing well, Florida looked poised to have two top goalies heading into the stretch run for the first time in four seasons. But just as soon as Muse was back and third goalie Shane Owen was shipped off to Alaska, an injury to a goalie in the Lightning organization required Nagle's services in the AHL.

Now, as Florida looks to make a push for the playoffs, the team will be riding Muse all the way.

"John is a proven winner and you can't dispute what he's done," Florida coach Greg Poss said. "He's had success at every level so far, and he's a good guy to have in there at this time of year."

Since rejoining the Everblades for good, Muse has made an immediate impact. Last Saturday he stopped all five shooters he faced to secure a very important shootout victory for Florida over Kalamazoo.

On Friday, he allowed just one goal, but didn't get any help from the Everblades offense and the team fell 1-0 to Wheeling.

The 5-foot-11, 175-pound Muse, 23, said he likes the pressure of being the last line of defense for the Everblades, both on the ice and on the roster.

"Everyone knows you're not going to go too far unless you have a good goalie," Muse said. "We have a strong back end here and once we get a few things worked out, I think we can be tough to beat."

As far as the transition from the AHL to the ECHL, Muse said the more chaotic style of play in the ECHL can be challenging when you're not used to it.

"It's tough because there's always so many different things going on," Muse said. "It's more about being a complete unit and communicating."

With the rosters basically set for the rest of the season, Muse will remain with Florida, barring an injury to one of the four goalies ahead of him in the Carolina organization. While it's evident that Muse has opened some eyes throughout the pro hockey world with his play, he said he's not worried about his future until the offseason.

But Poss said there's no doubt that Muse will have big opportunities in the offseason.

"He made the most of his opportunity and he's made a big impression," Poss said. "The next step is to show his maturity and play well here, but it's clear he has a bright future at the pro level."